Voice control system and control method for controlling printing apparatus

ABSTRACT

In a control system including a printing apparatus and a server system, the server system includes a transmission unit that, if a voice instruction received by a voice control device is a query regarding the printing apparatus, transmits information concerning the printing apparatus without performing processing of content used for print processing, and a specification unit that, if the received voice instruction is a print instruction for printing the content and includes a print setting value corresponding to a first item but not a print setting value corresponding to a second item, specifies content corresponding to the print instruction, a print setting value corresponding to the first item, and a preset, predetermined print setting value for the second item. The printing apparatus includes a print control unit that performs print processing based on the content, the print setting value corresponding to the first item, and the specified predetermined print setting value.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a voice control system including avoice control device, a control method, and a non-transitorycomputer-readable storage medium storing a program.

Description of the Related Art

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2016-502192 discloses techniques ofperforming various kinds of processing by instructing a conventionalvoice control device by voice. A connected printing apparatus can becaused to perform printing using these techniques.

However, in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2016-502192, if there exist aplurality of set values that an output apparatus such as a printer canreceive, it is difficult to efficiently cause a user to recognize theplurality of set values.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An aspect of the present invention is to eliminate the above-mentionedproblems with the conventional technology. The present inventionprovides a voice control system that improves usability in notifyinginformation concerning an output apparatus, a control method, and anon-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing a program.

The present invention in one aspect provides a voice control system thatincludes a voice control device configured to receive a voiceinstruction and can control an output apparatus by the voiceinstruction, comprising: a notification unit configured to, in a case inwhich the voice instruction received by the voice control device is aquery about the output apparatus, preferentially notify informationcorresponding to a condition in pieces of information concerning theoutput apparatus acquired based on the query.

According to the present invention, it is possible to improve usabilityin notifying information concerning an output apparatus.

Further features of the present invention will become apparent from thefollowing description of exemplary embodiments with reference to theattached drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a system configuration;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware arrangement of a voicecontrol device;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the hardware arrangement of a portableterminal and a display apparatus;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the hardware arrangement of a printingapparatus;

FIG. 5 is a view showing screens associated with setup of the voicecontrol device;

FIG. 6 is a view showing screens displayed by the printing apparatus;

FIG. 7 is a sequence chart showing a sequence associated with printprocessing;

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the hardware arrangement of a server;

FIGS. 9A and 9B are flowcharts showing the processing of the voicecontrol device and the server;

FIG. 10 is a sequence chart showing a sequence associated with printprocessing;

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the processing of the voice controldevice;

FIG. 12 is a sequence chart showing a sequence associated with printprocessing;

FIG. 13 is a view showing print setting items;

FIG. 14 is a view showing registered print settings;

FIG. 15 is a sequence chart showing a sequence associated with printprocessing; and

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the processing of the voice controldevice and the server.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be describedhereinafter in detail, with reference to the accompanying drawings. Itis to be understood that the following embodiments are not intended tolimit the claims of the present invention, and that not all of thecombinations of the aspects that are described according to thefollowing embodiments are necessarily required with respect to the meansto solve the problems according to the present invention. Note that thesame reference numerals denote the same constituent elements, and adescription thereof will be omitted.

First Embodiment

FIG. 1 shows an example of the configuration of a voice control systemaccording to this embodiment. The system according to this embodimentincludes, for example, a voice control device 1001, a portable terminal1002, a display apparatus 1003, a printing apparatus 1004, an accesspoint (AP) 1005, and a server 1006 (information processing apparatus).This system is a system capable of controlling a printing apparatus andthe like by a voice received by the voice control device. The voicecontrol device 1001 is, for example, a smart speaker. The portableterminal 1002 is, for example, an arbitrary portable terminal such as asmartphone, a notebook PC (Personal Computer), a tablet terminal, or aPDA (Personal Digital Assistant). Note that a description will be madebelow assuming that the portable terminal 1002 is a smartphone.Additionally, in this embodiment, a desktop PC may be used as theportable terminal 1002. Hence, the portable terminal is sometimes calleda terminal apparatus. The display apparatus 1003 is, for example, anapparatus such as a TV or a display having a display function. Theprinting apparatus 1004 is, for example, a printer but may be a copyingmachine, a facsimile apparatus, a digital camera, or the like. Inaddition, the printing apparatus 1004 may be a multi-function peripheralhaving a plurality of functions such as a copy function, a FAX function,and a printing function. That is, the printing apparatus 1004 is anoutput apparatus that performs printing, display, and the like, and theoutput form is not limited to printing. Note that if the printingapparatus 1004 is an apparatus for executing a printing function, it isa printer such as an inkjet printer, a full-color laser beam printer, ora monochrome printer.

The voice control device 1001, the portable terminal 1002, the displayapparatus 1003, and the printing apparatus 1004 can be connected to(communicate with) the server 1006 via the AP 1005 and the Internet. Inaddition, the voice control device 1001, the portable terminal 1002, thedisplay apparatus 1003, and the printing apparatus 1004 can be connectedto (communicate with) each other via the AP 1005. FIG. 1 shows eachdevice as a single device. However, each device may include a pluralityof devices connected.

Arrangement of Voice Control Device 1001

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware arrangement of the voicecontrol device 1001. The voice control device 1001 includes a speaker102, a CPU 103, a ROM 104, a microphone 105, a RAM 106, an externalstorage device 107, a communication unit 108, and a short-distancewireless communication unit 109. Note that the blocks shown in FIGS. 2to 4 and 8 are connected to each other using, for example, an internalbus. In addition, CPU is the acronym of Central Processing Unit, ROM isthe acronym of Read Only Memory, and RAM is the acronym of Random AccessMemory. Note that the components are merely examples, and each devicemay include hardware other than the illustrated pieces of hardware. Aplurality of blocks shown in FIGS. 2 to 4 and 8 may be integrated intoone block and thus implemented. Alternatively, one block may be dividedinto two or more blocks and thus implemented. That is, each device canhave an arbitrary arrangement within a scope in which processing to bedescribed later can be executed.

The speaker 102 generates a voice by processing to be described later.The CPU 103 is a system control unit and controls the entire voicecontrol device 1001. The ROM 104 stores fixed data such as controlprograms to be executed by the CPU 103, data tables, and an embedded OS(Operating System) program. In this embodiment, the control programsstored in the ROM 104 are used to perform software execution controlsuch as scheduling, task switching, and interrupt processing under themanagement of the embedded OS stored in the ROM 104. The microphone 105receives a voice on the periphery of the voice control device. When avoice uttered by a user is received, the voice is converted intoelectronic data via the microphone 105 and stored in the RAM 106. Forexample, the RAM 106 that receives the voice uttered by the user isformed by an SRAM (Static RAM) or the like which needs a backup powersupply. Note that the RAM 106 holds data by a primary battery for backupand can therefore store data such as a program control variable withoutvolatilizing it. In addition, a memory area to store the settinginformation and management data of the voice control device 1001 is alsoprovided in the RAM 106. The RAM 106 is also used as the main memory andthe work memory of the CPU 103. The external storage device 107 storesapplication software.

The communication unit 108 includes a circuit and an antenna configuredto perform communication in accordance with a predetermined wirelesscommunication method. For example, the communication unit 108 canwirelessly be connected to the AP 1005. In addition, the communicationunit 108 sometimes operates as an AP that is temporarily used. Note thatthe AP 1005 can be, for example, a device such as a wireless LAN router.The wireless communication used in this embodiment may have a capabilityof operating in accordance with the wireless communication method of awireless LAN complying with the IEEE 802.11 standard series or may havea capability of operating in accordance with another wirelesscommunication method. In this embodiment, the IEEE 802.11 standardseries includes a series of standards belonging to IEEE 802.11, likeIEEE 802.11a and IEEE 802.11b.

The short-distance wireless communication unit 109 executesshort-distance wireless communication with another device existingwithin a predetermined range (within the short-distance range) from thevoice control device 1001. Note that the short-distance wirelesscommunication unit 109 performs communication using a wirelesscommunication method different from that of the communication unit 108.In this embodiment, the short-distance wireless communication unit 109operates in accordance with the Bluetooth® standard. Additionally, inthis embodiment, the communication speed of the wireless communicationusing the communication unit 108 is higher than the communication speedof the short-distance wireless communication using the short-distancewireless communication unit 109. Furthermore, in this embodiment, thecommunication distance of the wireless communication using thecommunication unit 108 is longer than the communication distance of theshort-distance wireless communication using the short-distance wirelesscommunication unit 109. Note that this also applies to the communicationunits and the short-distance wireless communication units of otherapparatuses to be described later.

Arrangement of Portable Terminal 1002 and Display Apparatus 1003

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the hardware arrangement of theportable terminal 1002 and the display apparatus 1003. Each of theportable terminal 1002 and the display apparatus 1003 includes, forexample, an input interface 202, a CPU 203, a ROM 204, a display unit205, a RAM 206, an external storage device 207, a communication unit208, and a short-distance wireless communication unit 209. Note thatthese blocks are connected to each other using, for example, an internalbus.

The CPU 203 is a system control unit and controls the entire apparatus.The RAM 206 is formed by a DRAM (Dynamic RAM) or the like which needs abackup power supply, like, for example, the RAM 106. The RAM 206 is alsoused as the main memory and the work memory of the CPU 203. The ROM 204stores fixed data such as control programs to be executed by the CPU203, data tables, and an OS program.

The communication unit 208 has the same function as that of theabove-described communication unit 108 and can wirelessly be connectedto another device via the AP 1005. The short-distance wirelesscommunication unit 209 is a device capable of performing short-distancewireless communication with the short-distance wireless communicationunit 109 using the same wireless communication method as that of theshort-distance wireless communication unit 109.

In this embodiment, the portable terminal 1002 and the display apparatus1003 are explained as independent different apparatuses. However, theymay be integrated. That is, for example, the portable terminal 1002 maybe used as the display apparatus 1003. In addition, the portableterminal 1002 may be used as the voice control device 1001. In thiscase, the portable terminal 1002 may include, for example, a voicecontrol unit 210 that operates with the functions of both the speaker102 and the microphone 105. The voice control unit 210 can receive, bythe microphone, a language uttered as a voice by the user. The CPU 203analyzes the language, thereby converting the voice into an electronicinstruction. For example, when the user utters a device name by voice,the voice data is received and analyzed, thereby recognizing it as theID of a specific device. In addition, contents stored in the RAM 206 canbe converted into a language understandable by a human and output as avoice from the speaker. For example, a list of device IDs held in theRAM 206 can be converted into a language (names or the like)understandable by a human and output as a voice.

Arrangement of Printing Apparatus 1004

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the hardware arrangement of theprinting apparatus 1004. The printing apparatus 1004 includes, forexample, a print engine 402, a communication unit 403, a short-distancewireless communication unit 404, a ROM 405, a RAM 406, a CPU 407, adisplay unit 408, and a voice control unit 409.

The CPU 407 is a system control unit and controls the entire printingapparatus 1004. The RAM 406 is formed by a DRAM (Dynamic RAM) or thelike which needs a backup power supply, like, for example, the RAM 106.The RAM 406 is also used as the main memory and the work memory of theCPU 407. The ROM 405 stores fixed data such as control programs to beexecuted by the CPU 407, data tables, and an OS program.

The communication unit 403 has the same function as that of theabove-described communication unit 108 and can wirelessly be connectedto another device via the AP 1005. The short-distance wirelesscommunication unit 404 is a device capable of performing short-distancewireless communication with the short-distance wireless communicationunit 109 using the same wireless communication method as that of theshort-distance wireless communication unit 109. The print engine 402forms an image on a print medium such as paper using a printing materialsuch as ink based on a print job received via the communication unit 403and outputs the printing result. The display unit 408 is an interfaceconfigured to receive a data input or operation instruction from theuser and includes an operation panel formed by a physical keyboard andbuttons, a touch panel, or the like.

The voice control unit 409 can receive, by a microphone, a languageuttered as a voice by the user. The CPU 407 analyzes the language,thereby converting the voice into an electronic instruction. Forexample, when the user utters a device name by voice, the voice data isreceived and analyzed, thereby recognizing it as the ID of a specificdevice. In addition, contents stored in the RAM 406 can be convertedinto a language understandable by a human and output as a voice from aspeaker. For example, a list of device IDs held in the RAM 406 can beconverted into a language (names or the like) understandable by a humanand output as a voice.

Setup of Voice Control Device 1001

Setup of the voice control device 1001 will be described next withreference to FIG. 5. FIG. 5 is a schematic view showing examples ofscreens displayed by the portable terminal 1002 for setup of the voicecontrol device 1001. A management application for the voice controldevice 1001 is installed in advance in the portable terminal 1002.

When the management application is activated by a user operation, ascreen 501 is displayed on the display unit 205 of the portable terminal1002. Here, the user enables the short-distance wireless communicationunit 209 (for example, Bluetooth) of the portable terminal 1002 inaccordance with a message displayed on the screen 501. When the voicecontrol device 1001 is activated, it generates a beacon including aspecific identifier. If the beacon generated by the voice control device1001 is received using the management application, the portable terminal1002 displays a screen 503. When the “Yes” button is pressed on thescreen 503, short-distance wireless connection is established betweenthe portable terminal 1002 and the voice control device 1001.

When the short-distance wireless connection between the portableterminal 1002 and the voice control device 1001 is established, a screen504 is displayed on the display unit 205 of the portable terminal 1002.Here, when the user presses the “Yes” button on the screen 504, voicedata is transmitted from the portable terminal 1002 to the voice controldevice 1001 via the short-distance wireless connection, and a voice isoutput from the speaker 102 to the voice control device 1001. Note thatthe portable terminal 1002 may transmit a notification instruction byvoice to the voice control device 1001 via the short-distance wirelessconnection, and the voice may thus be output from the speaker 102 of thevoice control device 1001. If the voice is output from the voice controldevice 1001, the user presses a “test completion button” displayed nextto the screen 504, whereby a screen 505 is displayed on the display unit205 of the portable terminal 1002.

On the screen 505, the user inputs the SSID and the password of an APthat should be connected to the voice control device 1001 to the screen505 and presses the connect button. Basically, the user inputs, usingthe screen 505, the SSID and the password of the AP 1005 (the AP 1005that is being wirelessly connected) to which the portable terminal 1002is already wirelessly connected using the communication unit 208. Withthis processing, the portable terminal 1002 transmits the SSID and thepassword to the voice control device 1001 via the short-distancewireless connection. The voice control device 1001 establishes wirelessconnection with the AP 1005 using the SSID and the password received viathe short-distance wireless connection. That is, the voice controldevice 1001 participates in the network formed by the AP 1005. With theabove-described processing, the voice control device 1001 and theportable terminal 1002 can perform wireless communication via the AP1005 (via the network formed by the AP 1005).

Next, the user inputs a user ID and a password needed to log in to theserver 1006 using a screen 506 displayed on the portable terminal 1002.Note that the user ID and the password input in the screen 506 aretransmitted from the portable terminal 1002 to the voice control device1001 via the short-distance wireless connection or the AP 1005. Thevoice control device 1001 signs in to the server 1006 using the user IDand the password received from the portable terminal 1002. At this time,the voice control device 1001 transmits the Mac address of itself aswell. This allows the voice control device 1001 to use a serviceprovided by the server 1006 to the user. That is, the server 1006manages the Mac address of the voice control device 1001 and the user IDin association with each other. Here, the voice control device 1001 mayreceive the access token of the server 1006.

Using a screen 507 displayed next to the screen 506, the user selects adevice to be controlled using the voice control device 1001. Assume herethat the user selects the display apparatus 1003 and the printingapparatus 1004 as indicated by the screen 507. Devices displayed on thescreen 507 are displayed when the portable terminal 1002 searches forthe devices (apparatuses) in the network via the AP 1005. At this time,as the result of device search processing, the portable terminal 1002acquires the Mac address, IP address, and the like of each device at thetime of the device search. For this reason, when the OK button ispressed in the screen 507, the portable terminal 1002 transmits the Macaddress and the IP address of each device to the voice control device1001.

Note that setup of the voice control device 1001 may be performed usinganother method. For example, when the voice control device 1001 isactivated (or a setup mode is enabled), the communication unit 108 ofthe voice control device 1001 may operate as a software AP to do setup.As a detailed example, for example, when “connect without usingBluetooth” 502 is pressed on the screen 501, the portable terminal 1002displays a screen 508. The user operates the portable terminal 1002 inaccordance with contents displayed on the screen 508. By this useroperation, the portable terminal 1002 establishes wireless connectionwith the software AP of the voice control device 1001 using thecommunication unit 208. Note that the portable terminal 1002 mayestablish the wireless connection with the software AP of the voicecontrol device 1001 in accordance with an instruction of the managementapplication. That is, the connection destination of the communicationunit 208 of the portable terminal 1002 is temporarily switched from theAP 1005 to the software AP of the communication unit 108 of the voicecontrol device 1001 in accordance with a user operation or aninstruction of the management application. When the wireless connectionis established between the communication unit 208 of the portableterminal 1002 and the communication unit 108 of the voice control device1001 by such control, a screen 509 is displayed.

Note that as subsequent processing, information (the SSID, the password,and the like) input to the screen 505 is transmitted via the wirelessconnection established between the communication unit 208 of theportable terminal 1002 and the communication unit 108 of the voicecontrol device 1001. After that, to perform wireless communicationbetween the portable terminal 1002 and the voice control device 1001 viathe AP 1005, the portable terminal 1002 switches the connectiondestination to the AP 1005. In addition, the voice control device 1001disables the software AP and is wirelessly connected to the AP 1005using the communication unit 108.

As described above, the voice control device 1001 can receive the piecesof information (the SSID, the password, and the like) concerning the AP1005 that is an external access point from the portable terminal 1002 bywireless communication via the access point provided in the voicecontrol device 1001. In addition, the voice control device 1001 canexecute reception processing of receiving the pieces of information (theSSID, the password, and the like) concerning the external AP 1005 fromthe portable terminal 1002 via the short-distance wirelesscommunication. The voice control device 1001 may have only one of thetwo reception processing functions described above or may have both thereception processing functions. Alternatively, the voice control device1001 may be connected to the external access point 1005 and establishwireless communication by another reception processing function.

Sign-In Processing of Printing Apparatus 1004 to Server 1006

Processing of causing the printing apparatus 1004 to sign in to theserver 1006 will be described next. For example, in the Internet, theserver 1006 corresponding to the voice control device 1001 and a server1007 that does not correspond to the voice control device 1001 exist. Toimplement cooperation between the voice control device 1001 and theprinting apparatus 1004, the printing apparatus 1004 needs to sign innot to the server 1007 but to the server 1006.

For this purpose, the printing apparatus 1004 has a voice control devicecooperation mode. When the voice control device cooperation mode isenabled, the printing apparatus 1004 performs a device search in thenetwork in which it participates and finds the voice control device1001. To notify that the voice control device 1001 is found as theresult of the device search, a screen 601 shown in FIG. 6 is displayedon the display unit 408 of the printing apparatus 1004.

When the user selects the voice control device 1001 and presses the OKbutton on the screen 601, a screen 602 is displayed on the display unit408 of the printing apparatus 1004. Note that information acquired bythe device search includes, for example, the URL of the server 1006corresponding to the voice control device 1001. Using the URL, theprinting apparatus 1004 can display the screen 602 used to sign in tothe server 1006. Then, the printing apparatus 1004 can sign in to theserver 1006 using information (the user ID and the password) input tothe screen 602. With the above-described processing, the printingapparatus 1004 can sign in to the server 1006 and handle image datamanaged by the server 1006.

In addition, when the printing apparatus 1004 performs the devicesearch, and the voice control device capable of corresponding to theserver 1007 is thus found, the printing apparatus 1004 displays a screenused to sign in to the server 1007.

Note that another process may be executed as the processing of causingthe printing apparatus 1004 to sign in to the server 1006. An example ofthe other processing will be described. First, a state in which theportable terminal 1002 has completed sign-in to the server 1006 isobtained. For example, the user signs in to the server 1006 using theabove-described screen 506. When the portable terminal 1002 finds theprinting apparatus 1004 via the AP 1005, the portable terminal 1002displays the identification information of the printing apparatus 1004and a registration button. For example, the registration button may bedisplayed next to the printing apparatus in the screen 507. Here, if theuser presses the registration button, a registration request istransmitted from the portable terminal 1002 to the printing apparatus1004. Note that the registration request includes the destinationinformation of the server 1006.

Upon receiving the registration request, the printing apparatus 1004displays, on the display unit 408 of the printing apparatus 1004, aselection screen to select whether to execute registration processing ofthe printer. Here, if the user selects execution of registrationprocessing, the printing apparatus 1004 transmits a registration requestincluding the Mac address of the printing apparatus 1004 to the server1006 in accordance with the destination information included in theregistration request. The printing apparatus 1004 then receives aresponse to the registration request from the server 1006. Note that theresponse includes a URL concerning the registration processing of theprinting apparatus 1004. That is, the URL is a dedicated URL concerningthe registration processing of the printing apparatus 1004.

The printing apparatus 1004 transmits the response received from theserver 1006 to the portable terminal 1002. The portable terminal 1002transmits a registration request to the server 1006 using the URLincluded in the received response. The registration request includes theuser ID and the password already input to the portable terminal 1002 tosign in to the server 1006. If the correct user ID and password arereceived, the server 1006 that has received the registration requesttransmits a response representing that the registration request hassucceeded to the portable terminal 1002. That is, since the registrationrequest is received using the dedicated URL concerning the registrationprocessing of the printing apparatus 1004, the server 1006 temporarilyregisters the printing apparatus 1004 as a printing apparatus for theuser who has signed in to the portable terminal 1002. The server 1006manages the user ID and the Mac address of the printing apparatus 1004in association with each other. The portable terminal 1002 transmitscompletion information representing that the registration is completedto the printing apparatus 1004. Upon receiving the completioninformation, the printing apparatus 1004 transmits a registrationrequest including the Mac address of the printing apparatus 1004 to theserver 1006. The server 1006 identifies that the printing apparatus 1004is in a temporarily registered state and returns a registrationcompletion response.

With the above-described processing, the server 1006 formally registersthe printing apparatus 1004 as the printing apparatus for the user hassigned in to the portable terminal 1002. Upon receiving the registrationcompletion response from the server 1006, the printing apparatus 1004transmits information representing registration completion to theportable terminal 1002. With the above-described processing, theprinting apparatus 1004 may be unable to handle image data managed bythe server 1006.

Processing Procedure of Print Instruction

Processing of sending a print instruction to the printing apparatus 1004via the voice control device 1001 will be described next with referenceto FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is a sequence chart for explaining processing forcausing the voice control device 1001 to make the printing apparatus1004 execute print processing based on a print instruction by a voiceuttered from the user. The function corresponding to this processing isimplemented when the CPU of each device executes a correspondingprogram. Note that the display apparatus 1003 has already signed in tothe server 1006. In addition, image data corresponding to a photo A tobe described later is saved for the user by the server 1006.

Near the voice control device 1001, the user utters a wake word that isa predetermined keyword first and then utters what the userhimself/herself wants to do. For example, the user utters the wake wordand then utters “display the photo A”. The voice control device 1001receives the voice of the wake word, thereby receiving the voice utterednext. That is, the voice control device 1001 receives the voice “displaythe photo A”. The voice control device 1001 transmits the identificationinformation (for example, the Mac address) of the voice control device1001 and voice data based on the received voice to the server 1006(process 701).

The server 1006 specifies, from the Mac address of the voice controldevice 1001, the user ID associated with the Mac address, therebyrecognizing that the voice control device 1001 is a device that hasalready signed in. The above-described access token may be used. Theserver 1006 analyzes the voice data transmitted from the voice controldevice 1001, generates a control command based on the voice data(process 702), and transmits the control command to the voice controldevice 1001 (process 703). Note that the control command includes adisplay processing command as processing contents to be executed andinformation representing the storage location of image datacorresponding to the photo A as the display target.

The voice control device 1001 selects the transmission target of thecontrol command received from the server 1006. Here, since the userutters “display the photo A” as the request from the user, the voicecontrol device 1001 selects the display apparatus 1003 as thetransmission destination. The voice control device 1001 transmits thecontrol command to the selected display apparatus 1003 (process 704).Note that although the voice control device 1001 transmits the controlcommand received from the server 1006 in the process 704, anothercommand may be transmitted. That is, the voice control device 1001 maygenerate another command based on the control command received in theprocess 703 and transmit the other generated command to the displayapparatus 1003. The process in which the voice control device 1001transmits a control command is described even in the followingdescription (for example, the process 704 in FIG. 10 and the like).Another command generated based on the control command may betransmitted similarly. In this case, the device that has received thecommand can execute processing according to the other command.

The display apparatus 1003 executes processing according to the controlcommand. The display apparatus 1003 first accesses the storage locationincluded in the control command and acquires image data corresponding tothe photo A from the storage location (process 705). Then, the displayapparatus 1003 displays image data A corresponding to the photo A(process 706). Note that if a URL corresponding to the photo A isincluded in the control command, the display apparatus 1003 may accessthe URL, thereby displaying a web page including the photo A.

In a state in which the image data corresponding to the photo A isdisplayed on the display apparatus 1003, near the voice control device1001, the user utters the wake word first and then utters what the userhimself/herself wants to do. For example, the user utters the wake wordand then utters “print the photo A displayed on the display apparatus1003”.

The voice control device 1001 receives the voice of the wake word,thereby performing reception of the word uttered next. That is, thevoice control device 1001 receives the voice “print the photo Adisplayed on the display apparatus 1003”, thereby receiving a printinstruction by the voice. The voice control device 1001 transmits thevoice data to the server 1006 (process 707). Note that the basic processis the same as the process 701.

The server 1006 analyzes the voice data transmitted from the voicecontrol device 1001 and executes processing based on the voice data.Here, since the voice data of the voice “print the photo A displayed onthe display apparatus 1003” is received, the server 1006 generates printdata based on the image data corresponding to the photo A (process 708).

Note that if the print instruction from the user is a simple instruction“print the photo A displayed on the display apparatus 1003” describedabove, pieces of information (set values) concerning a print setting arenot included. That is, the set values of the number of pages, the printsize, the orientation of printing, the page layout (page allocation),double-sided/single-sided printing, and the like needed when theprinting apparatus 1004 prints the photo A are not included in theinstruction. In this embodiment, if the set values are not included inthe voice data as the result of voice data analysis, the voice controldevice 1001 uses predetermined set values as the set values of theimage. Details will be described later with reference to FIGS. 9A and9B.

Additionally, in this embodiment, as the process 708, another serverdifferent from the server 1006 may generate print data. For example, themanufacturer of the printing apparatus 1004 may provide a print serverincluding software configured to generate print data. The server 1006may request the print server to generate print data, and the printserver may generate print data.

When the generation of print data is completed, the server 1006transmits a notification representing that the generation of print datais completed to the printing apparatus 1004 (process 709). Uponreceiving the notification representing that the generation of printdata is completed, the printing apparatus 1004 accesses the server 1006,acquires the print data (process 710), and executes printing (process711).

When the print processing is completed, the printing apparatus 1004transmits a print completion notification to the server 1006 (process712), and the server 1006 transmits the print completion notification tothe voice control device 1001 (process 713). Upon receiving the printcompletion notification, the voice control device 1001 notifies theprint completion by voice (process 714).

Arrangement of Server 1006

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the hardware arrangement of the server1006. The server 1006 is an information processing apparatus including aCPU 801, a ROM 802, a RAM 803, an external storage device 804, and acommunication unit 805. The CPU 801 is a system control unit andcontrols the entire server 1006. Note that in this embodiment, theserver 1006 is formed by one server. However, a server systemcorresponding to the server 1006 may be formed by causing a plurality ofinformation processing apparatuses to cooperatively operate. The ROM 802stores fixed data such as control programs to be executed by the CPU801, data tables, and an embedded OS (Operating System) program. The RAM803 can store data such as a program control variable withoutvolatilizing it because the data is held by a primary battery (notshown) for data backup. The external storage device 804 storesapplication software. Note that in FIG. 7, the server 1006 generatesprint data, as described above. For this reason, the external storagedevice 804 of the server 1006 stores print software that generates printdata interpretable by the printing apparatus 1004. The communicationunit 805 includes a circuit and an antenna configured to performcommunication in accordance with a predetermined wireless communicationmethod.

Details of Processing of Voice Control Device 1001 and Server 1006

Processing of the voice control device 1001 and the server 1006 in acase in which a print instruction is performed will be described nextwith reference to FIG. 9A. The flowchart of FIG. 9A corresponds to theprocesses 707 to 714 in FIG. 7. Note that in the voice control device1001, when the CPU 103 loads a program concerning the processing of theflowchart from a memory such as the ROM 104 and executes the program,the processing of the voice control device 1001 is executed. On theother hand, in the server 1006, when the CPU 801 loads a programconcerning the processing of the flowchart from a memory such as the ROM802 and executes the program, the processing of the server 1006 isexecuted.

The CPU 103 inputs words (voice) uttered by the user on the periphery ofthe voice control device 1001 (step S901) and generates voice data basedon the input voice. Then, the voice data is transmitted from the voicecontrol device 1001 to the server 1006 (step S902).

Upon receiving the voice data, the CPU 801 analyzes the voice data andspecifies the request of the user. The server 1006 receives, forexample, voice data corresponding to a user request “print the photo Adisplayed on the display apparatus 1003” and determines whether thepieces of information (set values) concerning a print setting areincluded in the voice data (step S903).

If the pieces of information concerning the print setting are includedin the voice data, the CPU 801 acquires the pieces of informationconcerning the print setting included in the voice data (step S904). Onthe other hand, if the pieces of information concerning the printsetting are not included in the voice data, the CPU 801 acquires piecesof information concerning a predetermined print setting (step S905).Here, as the predetermined set values, set values registered in theserver in advance are acquired.

In step S906, the CPU 801 specifies image data corresponding to thephoto A displayed on the display apparatus 1003 based on the voice dataand generates print data based on the image data by applying the piecesof information concerning the print setting acquired in step S904 orS905.

Next, the CPU 801 selects a printer to execute print processing (stepS907). In this embodiment, the CPU 801 specifies a user ID associatedwith the Mac address of the voice control device 1001. Then, the server1006 specifies the printing apparatus 1004 managed in association withthe user ID. With the above-described processing, step S907 isimplemented.

The CPU 801 transmits, to the printing apparatus 1004, a notificationrepresenting that the generation of print data is completed for theprinter (printing apparatus 1004) selected in step S907 (step S908).After that, the printing apparatus 1004 accesses the server 1006 andacquires the print data, thereby executing print processing. The CPU 801determines whether a print completion notification is received from theprinting apparatus 1004 (step S909).

Upon receiving the print completion notification from the printingapparatus 1004 in step S909, the CPU 801 transmits the print completionnotification to the voice control device 1001 that is the printinstruction source. Upon receiving the print completion notification,the CPU 103 notifies the print completion by voice. More specifically,the CPU 103 converts the print completion notification into a voice andoutputs the print completion by voice using the speaker 102.

With the above-described processing, the user can print a desired photoby a simple operation. In particular, even if an instruction concerningthe print setting is not included in the instruction by the voice of theuser, print data is generated by applying predetermined set values.

Modification

In this embodiment, if the pieces of information concerning the printsetting are not included in the voice data, the user may be confirmed toprint using the predetermined set values. More specifically, if theserver 1006 determines in step S903 that the pieces of informationconcerning the print setting are not included in the voice data, theserver 1006 generates a control command used to notify the voice controldevice 1001 that printing is performed using the predetermined setvalues. Then, the server 1006 transmits the control command to the voicecontrol device 1001. In accordance with the received control command,the voice control device 1001 notifies the user by voice that printingis performed using the predetermined set values. For example, a voice“one copy of the photo A will be printed on photo paper with an L sizeunder settings . . . (omit) . . . ” is output. Note that the items ofthe print setting necessary for print data generation include aplurality of items. Hence, if all the items are output by voice, thetime until the user acquires desired information becomes long. Hence,the print setting items to be output by voice may be only somerepresentative setting items.

Alternatively, the user may be asked whether printing may be performedusing predetermined set value by a question-type voice “one copy of thephoto A will be printed on photo paper with an L size under settings . .. (omit) . . . . Is it OK?”. In the case of the question-type voice, theprint setting may be determined or changed upon receiving a responsefrom the user to the question. That is, if a reply to approve the printsetting (for example, a reply “OK”) is received from the user, the voicecontrol device 1001 transmits the voice data to the server 1006, and theserver 1006 determines the print setting. On the other hand, if a replyto instruct different print setting (for example, a reply “print twocopies”) is received from the user, the voice control device 1001transmits the voice data to the server 1006. The server 1006 changesonly the item of the number of copies instructed to be changed from, forexample, “1” to “2”. Note that if a change of a print setting isreceived, the server 1006 may cause the voice control device 1001 tonotify the user, by voice, of the set value after the change.

The user may be notified of the set values not by voice but by display.That is, the server 1006 may transmit a control command to the displayapparatus 1003 and cause the display apparatus 1003 to display setvalues to be applied. This allows the user to easily grasp what kind ofprint setting is used to do printing. Note that the print setting may bechangeable by the user on a screen displayed on the display apparatus1003. More specifically, the server 1006 holds the data of a printsetting screen. The display apparatus 1003 acquires the screen data ofthe print setting from the server 1006, thereby displaying the printsetting screen. This allows the user to do print setting while viewingthe screen.

In addition, the items of print setting necessary for the server 1006 togenerate print data include a plurality of items, as described above.FIG. 13 shows the items of a print setting. When there are many printsetting items, the user may designate only some setting items by voice.More specifically, only representative setting items may be instructedby uttering, for example, “print one copy of the photo A in the L size”.Hence, in this embodiment, it may be confirmed for each necessary printsetting item whether the information is included in the voice data, anda predetermined set value may be applied only for an item that is notincluded. The procedure of this processing will be described withreference to FIG. 9B.

Referring to FIG. 9B, the processes of steps S901 and S902 are the sameas in FIG. 9A. In step S903, when determining whether the pieces ofinformation concerning the print setting are included in the voice data,the CPU 801 determines whether all the necessary print setting items areincluded. That is, print setting items included in the voice and printsetting items that are not included are specified. If all items areincluded in the voice data, the CPU 801 acquires the pieces ofinformation concerning the print setting in the voice data (step S904),as in FIG. 9A. On the other hand, if some print setting items are notincluded in the voice data, the CPU 801 acquires predetermined setvalues registered in advance only for the items (absent items) that arenot included and, for the items included in the voice data, acquires theinformation from the voice data (step S905′). In addition, if the piecesof information concerning the print setting are not included in thevoice data at all, the CPU 801 acquires predetermined set valuesregistered in advance for all the items (step S905″). The subsequentprocessing is the same as in FIG. 9A, and a description thereof will beomitted. With this processing, it is also possible to cope with a casein which the user instructs only some print setting items.

Additionally, as shown in FIG. 14, the server 1006 according to thisembodiment may have a plurality of print settings as the predeterminedprint settings. More specifically, different print settings arepreferably provided in accordance with the data type of a print target.For example, a preferable setting or a general setting changes between aphoto and a document (a document created by a document creationapplication such as Microsoft Word). Hence, a plurality of printsettings that are different depending on the data type are registered inthe server 1006. If instructions concerning the print setting are notincluded in the voice data in step S903, the server 1006 identifies thedata type of the print target. The identification can be performed basedon, for example, the extension of a data file. Based on theidentification result, a print setting corresponding to the identifieddata type is acquired from the memory of the server 1006. For example,if the data type is “photo”, “print setting 1” is selected. If the datatype is “document”, “print setting 2” is selected.

Furthermore, the server 1006 according to this embodiment may have aplurality of print settings independently of the data type. For example,assume that the user instructs “print a document B on fine art paper” byvoice. In this case, the user is assumed to place importance on fineprinting rather than the print speed. However, “print setting 2” that isa print setting for a document in FIG. 14 defines “print quality:standard”, “double-sided/single-sided setting: double-sided setting”,and “page layout: 2 pages/sheet”. Hence, if the uninstructed printsetting items are directly applied, a printing result different fromthat assumed by the user may be obtained. To prevent this, the server1006 according to this embodiment has a plurality of print settings, inwhich at least some items have different set values, in correspondencewith one data type. In particular, a plurality of print settings inwhich the print quality, color setting, double-sided/single-sidedsetting, and the like are different may be provided in accordance withthe paper type. For example, in addition to the print settings 1 and 2shown in FIG. 14, “print setting 3” in which “paper type: fine artpaper”, “print quality: fine”, “double-sided/single-sided setting:single-sided printing”, and “page layout: 1 pages/sheet” are registeredis provided as another print setting “for document”. When the pluralityof print settings are registered in this way, even if the user instructs“print the document B on fine art paper”, the server 1006 can select andacquire “print setting 3” having set values corresponding to this. Notethat instead of referring to the data type, the print setting may beprovided for each paper type simply based on the information of papertype included in the voice instruction. As described above, even if theuser instructs only some print setting items, the server 1006 can selecta print setting including setting information corresponding to theinstruction from a plurality of registered print settings. It istherefore possible to generate print data more according to the user'sintention.

Additionally, in this embodiment, the registered values of the“predetermined print setting” may be changeable by a user instruction.The predetermined print setting is determined in accordance with theprinting apparatus 1004 or the server 1006 to sign in. A default printsetting is registered as an initial setting unless the print setting ischanged. To change the default print setting, the user instructs, byvoice, the voice control device 1001 to send voice data to the server1006, and the print setting in the server 1006 is changed. The printsetting in the server 1006 may be changed via a terminal apparatus suchas the portable terminal 1002.

In addition, when the voice control device 1001 can specify the name ofthe user who has requested printing from the voice “print the photo Adisplayed on the display apparatus 1003”, voice data may be generated byadding the user name. With this processing, for example, the printingapparatus 1004 can display the user name during execution of the printprocessing 711 or as a print history.

In addition, after the print completion is notified and before printingusing another print data is instructed, near the voice control device1001, the user utters the wake word first and then utters what the userhimself/herself wants to do, thereby reflecting the contents. Forexample, the user utters the wake word and then utters a copy additioninstruction such as “one more copy” or “additionally print threecopies”.

Upon receiving the copy addition instruction, the voice control device1001 may transmit the voice data transmitted in the process 707 again.At this time, voice data corresponding to “one more copy” or“additionally print three copies” is also transmitted together. Theserver 1006 receives the two pieces of voice data, thereby performingthe same print data generation processing as in the process 708. Theserver 1006 sets the number of copies based on the voice data of the newrequest. With this processing, the user can easily instruct re-printingusing the same image data.

Furthermore, after the print completion is notified and before printingusing another print data is instructed, near the voice control device1001, the user utters the wake word first and then utters what the userhimself/herself wants to do, thereby reflecting the contents. Forexample, the user utters the wake word and then utters “print on alarger sheet”. Upon receiving the instruction, the voice control device1001 may transmit the voice data transmitted in the process 707 again.At this time, voice data corresponding to “print on a larger sheet” isalso transmitted together. The server 1006 receives the two pieces ofvoice data, thereby performing the same print data generation processingas in the process 708. The server 1006 sets the paper size based on thevoice data of the new request. With this processing, the user can easilyinstruct to print the same image data on a sheet of a different size.Note that when another device, for example, the voice control device1001 or the display apparatus 1003 generates print data, as will bedescribed later, the device that generates print data may perform thesame processing.

In addition, if an instruction associated with the print speed isincluded in the instruction by voice, the server 1006 may change theprint setting to be applied based on the instruction. More specifically,when an instruction “print quickly” is received from the user, theserver 1006 determines that printing needs to be completed quickly andchanges the setting such that printing is performed in a speed prioritymode. More specifically, even if the item of “print quality” in theregistered print setting is a set value corresponding to “fine”, it ischanged to a set value corresponding to “standard”.

In addition, the server 1006 may analyze the set values in a printinstruction received in the past, thereby reflecting the user'spreference concerning the print setting. More specifically, in a case inwhich the user often uses a setting to allocate two pages to one sheet apredetermined number or more of times in a past predetermined period,this setting may be reflected even if the set value of the page layoutregistered by default is a setting to allocate one page to one sheet.That is, the registered set value of the item of the page layout ischanged to a set value corresponding to “two pages/sheet”.

In addition, the printing apparatus 1004 or the server 1006 may includea memory that saves a voice keyword concerning printing. The voicecontrol device 1001 downloads the voice keyword from the printingapparatus 1004 or the server 1006. Since the voice control device 1001can thus correctly interpret the voice of the user concerning a printinstruction to generate voice data, the voice control device 1001becomes more familiar with terms concerning printing and can executeprinting more conforming to the user's intention.

For example, the CPU 407 of the printing apparatus 1004 or the CPU 801of the server 1006 stores words concerning a print instruction in theROM 405 or the ROM 802. If a new executable function or item isavailable in accordance with the upgrading of the firmware of theprinting apparatus 1004, the words concerning printing may also beupdated. For example, the printing apparatus 1004 newly registers, inthe memory, words used anew on a user interface screen such as a mainmenu screen or a setting screen corresponding to the new function. Atthis time, voice information such as a frequency, speed, and intonationmay also be stored as standard feature amounts serving as a modeltogether with the words.

Case in Which User Inquires about Setting Value Settable in PrintSetting

In this embodiment, a method of notifying the user of a settable setvalue by voice output from the voice control device 1001 will bedescribed below.

FIG. 15 is a sequence chart in a case in which the user inquires of thevoice control device about a set value settable in a print setting. Notethat a description of portions common to FIG. 7 used in the descriptionof a case in which no query is done will be omitted, and portionsdifferent from FIG. 7 will mainly be described below.

The processes 701 to 706 are the same as in FIG. 7. In FIG. 15, theprocesses 701 to 705 are not illustrated, and processing from theprocess 706 is illustrated. After the user confirms image data displayedon the display apparatus 706, the voice control device 1001 receives avoice instruction to inquire about a set value settable in the printingapparatus 1004 (process 1501).

The voice instruction is, for example, “tell me settable paper sizes”next to the wake word. The voice control device 1001 recognizes thevoice instruction and transmits voice data to the server 1006 (process1502). The server 1006 analyzes received voice data and generates acontrol command to be executed by the voice control device 1001 (process1503). The control command includes the information of setting item datain the printing apparatus 1004 and a voice output processing command asprocessing contents to be executed by the voice control device. Detailsof the setting item data to be included will be described later.

After that, the server 1006 transmits the generated control command tothe voice control device 1001 (process 1504). Upon receiving the controlcommand, the voice control device 1001 outputs set values settable inthe printing apparatus 1004 by voice from the speaker 102 based on thecommand to make a notification to the user (process 1505). For example,the voice control device 1001 outputs “the paper size can be selectedfrom A4, B5, letter, and L size” by voice. The user listens to thenotification and utters a print instruction by voice (process 1506). Inthis sequence chart, the query is done only once. However, the query maybe done a plurality of times.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing of the voicecontrol device 1001 and the server 1006 for the control as shown in FIG.15. A description of portions common to FIG. 9A used in the descriptionof a case in which no query about set values is made to the voicecontrol device 1001 will be omitted, and portions different from FIG. 9Awill mainly be described below.

Upon receiving voice data transmission (process 1502) from the voicecontrol device 1001, the server 1006 determines whether the voice datais the voice data of a query in step S1601. As for the determinationmethod, the determination is done based on whether a specific word isincluded in the voice data. The specific word is, for example, “tell” or“what”. The specific word may be stored in, for example, the ROM 802 ofthe server 1006 in advance. However, the user does not necessarilyclearly utter the specific word itself. Hence, the CPU 801 of the server1006 may perform similarity analysis between the specific word and aword recognized from the voice data. As the similarity analysis, forexample, a standard feature amount (model) of the specific word and afeature amount acquired from the word recognized from the voice data maybe compared for each component, and it may be determined whether thedifference falls within a predetermined range. Here, the components ofthe feature amount are, for example, the frequency, speed, andintonation.

The server 1006 may acquire the standard feature amount of the specificword by learning and store it in the ROM 802 or the like. For example,the server 1006 may analyze the feature amount of the specific worduttered by an unspecified large number of people and decide the standardfeature amount based on the analysis result. The analysis at this timemay be, for example, regression analysis or an analysis to calculate anaverage. The arrangement for performing such learning may be providednot in the server 1006 but in another server. In addition, every timevoice data is received from the voice control device 1001, the standardfeature amount may be acquired in addition to the already learned word.This can improve the accuracy of the learning result.

Upon determining in step S1601 that the voice data is not a query, it isa print instruction and, therefore, the process advances to step S903.Upon determining that the voice data is a query, pieces of information(values) concerning a print setting registered in the server 1006 areloaded in step S1602. More specifically, the values are set valuessettable in the printing apparatus 1004. In step S1603, a controlcommand for the voice control device 1001 concerning the loaded setvalues settable in the print setting is generated and transmitted. Instep S1604, the speaker 102 outputs a voice based on the receivedcontrol command.

Control command generation/transmission (process 1504) by the server1006 to the query of the voice data will specifically be describedbelow. The control command may be generated such that all set valuesmatching the contents of the query of the voice data may sequentially beoutput from the voice control device 1001 by voice. However, if theorder of a set value desired by the user is later, the user needs towait until the desired set value is output by voice. For example, thiswill be described using the above-described example. Although “the papersize can be selected from A4, B5, letter, and L size”, if the user wantsto know whether printing can be performed in “L size”, he/she needs towait until “L size” is notified. Hence, in this embodiment, the setvalues are output by voice in descending order of use frequency based onthe user's use history of information concerning a print setting in thepast. Alternatively, only a set value of a high use frequency may bespecified and output by voice.

For example, the server 1006 may have a database of the use history ofinformation concerning a print setting corresponding to each user. Thecontrol command may be generated such that a set value of a high usefrequency is preferentially output by voice from the database of theuser corresponding to the voice data received from the voice controldevice 1001. Alternatively, the control command may be generated suchthat a set value of a high use frequency is preferentially output byvoice from a database corresponding to all users who use the printingapparatus 1004. In addition, the database provided in the server 1006need not always correspond to each user. For example, the database maycorrespond to each department that uses the printing apparatus 1004.Note that the example in which a set value of a high use frequency ispreferentially output by voice means that a set value of a high usefrequency is output first, and other set values are sequentially outputby voice.

In addition, the control command may be generated such that a set valuethat enables preferable printing by the printing apparatus 1004 ispreferentially output by voice based on the image data displayed on thedisplay apparatus 1003. For example, if the number of pixels of thedisplayed image data is large, it may be determined that fine printingis desired, and the control command may be generated such that L size isoutput first by voice. At this time, the server 1006 may analyze thecorrelation between various kinds of feature amounts of the image dataand various kinds of print settings based on the past print history. Forexample, if the correlation between a predetermined number of pixels ofimage data and the print size (L size or the like) is higher than apredetermined value (a print count under the condition is apredetermined number or more), it is inferred that the set value is aset value preferred by the user, and the set value is preferentiallyoutput by voice. Alternatively, set values used in the printing 711 andthe feature amount of the image data displayed on the display apparatus1003 at that time may be registered newly as a print history and used inanalysis and inference later.

In addition, the voice instruction 1501 may be not only a queryconcerning a set value for a print setting but also a query concerningprocessing contents executable by the printing apparatus 1004 or asetting item of the main body. For example, the voice instruction may bea query concerning an executable maintenance instruction or a remainingamount of ink.

In the above-described example, an example in which after the userconfirms the image, a notification of processing settable/executable bythe printing apparatus 1004 can be received by voice has been described.Instead of making a notification by voice to the user, the set value maybe displayed on the display apparatus 1003 to notify the user. In thiscase, in the processes 1503 and 1504, a control command for the displayapparatus 1003 is generated, and the control command is transmitted tothe display apparatus 1003. The display apparatus 1003 displays a setvalue based on the received control command. When transmitting thecontrol command to the voice control device 1001, the order of voiceoutput is changed to a priority order. In the display on the displayapparatus 1003, the display order is changed to, for example, a priorityorder from above. Alternatively, the display form of a set value of ahigh priority order may be changed such that the set value is, forexample, highlighted.

In addition, the set value may be displayed on the display unit 408 ofthe printing apparatus 1004. In this case, in the processes 1503 and1504, a control command for the printing apparatus 1004 is generated,and the control command is transmitted to the printing apparatus 1004.The printing apparatus 1004 displays a set value on the display unit 408based on the received control command. Additionally, in FIG. 15, thequery of the process 1501 is performed after the display processing 706but may be performed before the display processing 706.

Second Embodiment

The second embodiment will be described next. In the first embodiment,as described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 9, a form in which the server1006 generates print data, and the printing apparatus 1004 performsprinting using a notification from the server 1006, which representsthat the generation of print data is completed has been described. Inthis embodiment, a form in which a voice control device 1001 generatesprint data will be described. Note that a description of portions commonto the first embodiment will be omitted, and portions different from thefirst embodiment will mainly be described below.

FIG. 10 is a sequence chart for explaining print processing. Note thatprocesses 701 to 706 are the same as in FIG. 7, and a detaileddescription thereof will be omitted. Additionally, in FIGS. 10 and 11,the voice control device 1001 generates print data. Hence, in thisembodiment, an external storage device 107 of the voice control device1001 stores print software that generates print data interpretable by aprinting apparatus 1004, information necessary for communication, andthe like.

The voice control device 1001 receives the voice of a wake word, therebyreceiving a word uttered next. That is, the voice control device 1001receives a voice “print a photo A displayed on a display apparatus1003”.

The voice control device 1001 transmits the voice data to a server 1006(process 10001). The server 1006 analyzes the voice data transmittedfrom the voice control device 1001 and executes processing based on thevoice data. The server 1006 receives the voice data of the voice “printthe photo A displayed on the display apparatus 1003”. For this reason,the server 1006 generates a control command to print image datacorresponding to the photo A (process 10002).

The server 1006 transmits the control command generated in the process10002 to the voice control device 1001 (process 10003). The voicecontrol device 1001 executes processing according to the controlcommand. Since an instruction to acquire and print image datacorresponding to the photo A is included in the control command, thevoice control device 1001 acquires the image data corresponding to thephoto A from the server 1006 (process 10004).

The voice control device 1001 generates print data based on the acquiredimage data and print setting information (process 10005). Note that asin the first embodiment, if the print instruction from the user is asimple instruction “print the photo A displayed on the display apparatus1003”, pieces of information concerning a print setting are notincluded. Hence, in this embodiment as well, if the pieces ofinformation concerning a print setting are not included in theinstruction by voice, predetermined set values are used as the setvalues of the image, as in the first embodiment. More specifically, ifthe pieces of information concerning the print setting are not includedin the control command, the voice control device 1001 generates printdata by applying predetermined set values registered in advance in thevoice control device 1001. Note that whether the pieces of informationconcerning the print setting are included may be determined not by thevoice control device 1001 but by the server 1006. In this case, theserver 1006 determines whether the pieces of information concerning theprint setting are included in the voice data from the voice controldevice 1001. If the pieces of information concerning the print settingare not included, a control command is generated by applyingpredetermined set values registered in advance in the server 1006. Thevoice control device 1001 can generate print data based on the setvalues included in the control command.

The voice control device 1001 transmits the print data generated in theprocess 10005 to the printing apparatus 1004 (process 10006). When printprocessing based on the print data is completed (process 10007), theprinting apparatus 1004 transmits a print completion notification to thevoice control device 1001 (process 10008). Upon receiving the printcompletion notification, the voice control device 1001 notifies theprint completion by voice (process 10009).

Details of Processing of Voice Control Device 1001

Processing of the voice control device 1001 will be described next withreference to FIG. 11. The flowchart of FIG. 11 corresponds to theprocesses 10001 to 10009 in FIG. 10. Note that steps S1101 and S1102 inFIG. 11 are the same processes as steps S901 and S902 in FIGS. 9A and9B, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

A CPU 103 receives a control command from the server 1006 (step S1103).The CPU 103 analyzes the received control command and specifiesprocessing to be executed next. The control command includes aninstruction to acquire the image data of the photo A and a printinstruction of the image data. Hence, the CPU 103 acquires the imagedata from the server 1006 and generates print data (step S1104). Notethat in step S1104, as in the processing of the server 1006 in the firstembodiment, it is determined whether pieces of information concerning aprint setting are included in the instruction by voice from the user. Ifthe pieces of information are not included, processing of applyingpredetermined number set values is performed. More specifically, the CPU103 analyzes the control command and determines whether the pieces ofinformation concerning the print setting are included in the controlcommand. If the pieces of information concerning the print setting areincluded in the control command, the CPU 103 acquire the pieces ofinformation concerning the print setting included in the controlcommand. On the other hand, if the pieces of information concerning theprint setting are not included in the control command, the CPU 103acquires pieces of information concerning a predetermined print setting.Here, as the pieces of information concerning the predetermined printsetting, pieces of information (values) concerning a print settingregistered in advance in the voice control device 1001 are acquired.Then, print data is generated by applying the acquired pieces ofinformation concerning the print setting.

Note that whether the pieces of information concerning the print settingare included may be determined not by the voice control device 1001 butby the server 1006. In this case, the server 1006 determines whether thepieces of information concerning the print setting are included in thevoice data from the voice control device 1001. If the pieces ofinformation concerning the print setting are not included, a controlcommand is generated by applying predetermined set values registered inadvance in the server 1006. Hence, the voice control device 1001 cangenerate print data based on the set values included in the controlcommand.

The CPU 103 transmits the print data to the printing apparatus 1004(step S1105). Here, the CPU 103 registers the display apparatus 1003 andthe printing apparatus 1004 as the control target devices of the voicecontrol device 1001 in accordance with an instruction input via a screen507 shown in FIG. 5 described above. Hence, the CPU 103 decides thetransmission destination of the print data to the printing apparatus1004 in accordance with the registration. The CPU 103 determines whethera print completion notification is received (step S1106) and, uponreceiving the print completion notification, notifies the printcompletion by voice (step S1107).

With the above-described processing, the user can print a desired photoby a simple operation. In addition, the load on the server 1006 can bereduced.

Note that an example in which pieces of information concerning apredetermined print setting are registered in the voice control device1001 has been described above. However, the server 1006 may hold thepieces of information concerning the predetermined print setting. Thatis, the server 1006 determines whether pieces of information concerninga print setting are included in the voice data from the voice controldevice 1001 in the process 10001. Upon determining that the pieces ofinformation concerning a print setting are not included in the voicedata, the server 1006 includes, in the control command, pieces ofinformation concerning a predetermined print setting registered inadvance in the server 1006. Then, the server 1006 transmits the controlcommand to the voice control device 1001. The voice control device 1001generates print data in accordance with the received control command.

Additionally, in this embodiment as well, when the voice control device1001 executes the processing associated with the print setting describedin [Modification] of the first embodiment by replacing the server 1006,the same processing as in each example of [Modification] of the firstembodiment can be executed. Even in a modification, a description of thesame processes as in the first embodiment will be omitted, and portionsdifferent from the first embodiment will mainly be described below.

In this embodiment as well, if the pieces of information concerning theprint setting are not included in the print instruction by voice, theuser may be notified by voice that printing is performed usingpredetermined set values. More specifically, if the voice control device1001 determines that the pieces of information concerning the printsetting are not included in the print instruction by the voice of theuser or the control command, the voice control device 1001 notifies theuser by voice that printing is performed using predetermined set values.The server 1006 may determine whether the pieces of informationconcerning the print setting are included in the voice data and generateand transmit a control command to cause the voice control device 1001 tonotify the user by voice that printing is performed using predeterminedset values, as a matter of course. In addition, the user may be notifiedby a question-type voice, or the print setting may be determined orchanged by receiving a reply from the user to the question, as in thefirst embodiment. Additionally, in this embodiment as well, the user maybe notified of the set values not by a voice but by display. Morespecifically, a control command may be transmitted from the voicecontrol device 1001 or the server 1006 to the display apparatus 1003,and the display apparatus 1003 may display the set values to be applied.

In addition, the voice control device 1001 or the server 1006 mayconfirm whether information is included in the instruction for eachnecessary item of the print setting. That is, the voice control device1001 may generate print data by applying a predetermined set valueregistered in advance in the voice control device 1001 or the server1006 for an item that is not included in the voice. Additionally, asshown in FIG. 14, the voice control device 1001 or the server 1006 mayhave a plurality of print settings. A predetermined print setting isselected from them based on the print instruction. In addition, aplurality of print settings may be provided for one data type.Furthermore, the predetermined print setting may be changeable by aninstruction of the user.

In addition, when the voice control device 1001 can specify the name ofthe user who has requested printing from the voice “print the photo Adisplayed on the display apparatus 1003”, voice data may be generated byadding the user name.

In addition, after the print completion is notified and before printingusing another print data is instructed, the user inputs a copy additioninstruction by voice, thereby enabling execution of re-printing usingthe same image data for the added copies. In addition, after the printcompletion is notified and before printing using another print data isinstructed, the user may instruct a different print setting by voice,thereby enabling execution of re-printing of the different print settingusing the same image data.

In addition, if an instruction associated with the print speed isincluded in the instruction by voice, the voice control device 1001 orthe server 1006 may change the print setting to be applied based on theinstruction. Furthermore, the voice control device 1001 or the server1006 may analyze, for example, the set values in a print instructionreceived in the past predetermined period, thereby reflecting the user'spreference concerning the print setting. That is, the registered valueof a predetermined print setting may be changed based on the preferenceanalysis result.

Case in Which User Inquires about Setting Value Settable in PrintSetting

In the second embodiment, a case in which the user inquires about asettable set value will be described. As in the first embodiment, thedisplay apparatus 1003 executes display processing in the process 706 ofFIG. 10. After that, the voice instruction in the process 1501 to thevoice notification in the process 1505 shown in FIG. 15 are performed,and the user is notified of the settable set value. Alternatively, thequery of the set value may be made before voice data communication inthe process 701.

Third Embodiment

The third embodiment will be described next. In this embodiment, a formin which a display apparatus 1003 generates print data will bedescribed. Note that a description of portions common to the firstembodiment will be omitted, and portions different from the firstembodiment will mainly be described below.

FIG. 12 is a sequence chart for explaining print processing. Note thatprocesses 701 to 706 are the same as in FIG. 7, and a detaileddescription thereof will be omitted. Additionally, processes 1201 to1203 are the same as the processes 10001 to 10003 in FIG. 10, processes1207 to 1209 are the same processes as the processes 10007 to 10009 inFIG. 10, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted. In theprocessing shown in FIG. 12, the display apparatus 1003 generates printdata. Hence, an external storage device 207 of the display apparatus1003 stores print software that generates print data interpretable by aprinting apparatus 1004, information necessary for communication, andthe like.

A voice control device 1001 executes processing according to a controlcommand. Here, an instruction to acquire and print image datacorresponding to a photo A is included in the control command. In FIG.12, the display apparatus 1003 generates print data. Hence, the voicecontrol device 1001 transmits the control command to the displayapparatus 1003 (process 1204).

The display apparatus 1003 executes processing according to the receivedcontrol command. Since the image data is already acquired for display,the display apparatus 1003 generates print data based on the alreadyacquired image data (process 1205). Note that as in the first and secondembodiments, if the print instruction from the user is a simpleinstruction “print the photo A displayed on the display apparatus 1003”,pieces of information concerning a print setting are not included.Hence, in this embodiment as well, if the pieces of informationconcerning a print setting are not included in the instruction by voice,a predetermined print setting is used as the print setting of the image,as in the first and second embodiments.

More specifically, the display apparatus 1003 generates print data byapplying a predetermined print setting registered in advance in thedisplay apparatus 1003. Note that a CPU 203 of the display apparatus1003 analyzes the control command and determines whether pieces ofinformation concerning a print setting are included in the controlcommand. If the pieces of information are included in the controlcommand, the CPU 203 of the display apparatus 1003 acquires the piecesof information concerning the print setting included in the controlcommand. On the other hand, if the pieces of information concerning theprint setting are not included in the control command, the CPU 203 ofthe display apparatus 1003 acquires pieces of information concerning apredetermined print setting. Here, as the pieces of informationconcerning the predetermined print setting, pieces of information(values) concerning a print setting registered in advance in the displayapparatus 1003 are acquired. Then, print data is generated by applyingthe acquired pieces of information concerning the print setting.

At this time, the display apparatus 1003 may display the pieces ofinformation concerning the print setting. Note that whether the piecesof information concerning the print setting are included may bedetermined not by the display apparatus 1003 but by the server 1006 orthe voice control device 1001. When the server 1006 performs thedetermination, the server 1006 determines whether the pieces ofinformation concerning the print setting are included in the voice datafrom the voice control device 1001. If the pieces of informationconcerning the print setting are not included, a control command isgenerated by applying predetermined set values registered in advance inthe server 1006. Hence, the display apparatus 1003 can generate printdata based on the set values included in the control command.

When the voice control device 1001 performs the determination, the voicecontrol device 1001 analyzes the received voice or the control commandacquired in the process 1203 and determines whether the pieces ofinformation concerning the print setting are included. If the pieces ofinformation concerning the print setting are not included, a controlcommand is generated by applying predetermined set values registered inadvance in the voice control device 1001. Accordingly, the displayapparatus 1003 can generate print data based on the set values includedin the control command. The display apparatus 1003 transmits the printdata generated in the process 1205 to the printing apparatus 1004(process 1206).

With the above-described processing, the user can print a desired photoby a simple operation. In addition, the load on the server 1006 and thevoice control device 1001 can be reduced.

Note that an example in which pieces of information concerning apredetermined print setting are registered in the display apparatus 1003has been described above. However, the server 1006 may hold the piecesof information concerning the predetermined print setting. That is, theserver 1006 determines whether pieces of information concerning a printsetting are included in the voice data from the voice control device1001 in the process 1201. Upon determining that the pieces ofinformation concerning a print setting are not included in the voicedata, the server 1006 generates a control command including pieces ofinformation concerning a predetermined print setting registered inadvance in the server 1006. Then, the server 1006 transmits the controlcommand to the display apparatus 1003 via the voice control device 1001.The display apparatus 1003 generates print data in accordance with thereceived control command.

Additionally, in this embodiment as well, when the display apparatus1003 executes the processing associated with the print setting describedin [Modification] of the first embodiment by replacing the server 1006,the same processing as in each example of [Modification] of the firstembodiment can be executed.

Even in a modification, a description of the same processes as in thefirst embodiment will be omitted, and portions different from the firstembodiment will mainly be described below.

In this embodiment as well, if the pieces of information concerning theprint setting are not included in the voice data, the user may benotified by voice that printing is performed using predetermined setvalues. More specifically, if the display apparatus 1003 determines thatthe pieces of information concerning the print setting are not includedin the print instruction by the voice of the user, the voice controldevice 1001 notifies the user by voice that printing is performed usingpredetermined set values. One of the voice control device 1001 and theserver 1006 may determine whether the pieces of information concerningthe print setting are included, as a matter of course. In addition, theuser may be notified by a question-type voice, or the print setting maybe determined or changed by receiving a reply from the user to thequestion, as in the first embodiment. Additionally, in this embodimentas well, the user may be notified of the set values not by a voice butby display. More specifically, a control command may be transmitted fromthe voice control device 1001 or the server 1006 to the displayapparatus 1003, and the display apparatus 1003 may display the setvalues to be applied.

In addition, one of the display apparatus 1003, the voice control device1001, and the server 1006 may confirm whether information is included inthe instruction for each necessary item of the print setting. Thedisplay apparatus 1003 can generate print data by applying apredetermined set value registered in advance in one of the displayapparatus 1003, the voice control device 1001, and the server 1006 foran item that is not included in the voice.

Additionally, as shown in FIG. 14, a plurality of print settings may beprovided. A predetermined print setting is selected from them based onthe print instruction. In addition, a plurality of print settings may beprovided for one data type. Furthermore, the predetermined print settingmay be changeable by an instruction of the user.

In addition, when the voice control device 1001 can specify the name ofthe user who has requested printing from the voice “print the photo Adisplayed on the display apparatus 1003”, voice data may be generated byadding the user name.

In addition, after the print completion is notified and before printingusing another print data is instructed, the user inputs a copy additioninstruction by voice, thereby enabling execution of re-printing usingthe same image data for the added copies. In addition, after the printcompletion is notified and before printing using another print data isinstructed, the user may instruct a different print setting by voice,thereby enabling execution of re-printing of the different print settingusing the same image data.

In addition, if an instruction associated with the print speed isincluded in the instruction by voice, one of the display apparatus 1003,the server 1006, and the voice control device 1001 may change the printsetting to be applied based on the instruction. Furthermore, one of thedisplay apparatus 1003, the server 1006, and the voice control device1001 may analyze, for example, the set values in a print instructionreceived in the past predetermined period, thereby reflecting the user'spreference concerning the print setting. That is, the registered valueof a predetermined print setting may be changed based on the preferenceanalysis result.

Case in Which User Inquires about Setting Value Settable in PrintSetting

In the third embodiment, a case in which the user inquires about asettable set value will be described. As in the first embodiment, thedisplay apparatus 1003 executes display processing in the process 706 ofFIG. 10. After that, the voice instruction in the process 1501 to thevoice notification in the process 1505 shown in FIG. 15 are performed,and the user is notified of the settable set value. Alternatively, thequery of the set value may be made before voice data communication inthe process 701.

Other Embodiments

In the above-described embodiments, a form in which a photo displayed onthe display apparatus 1003 is printed has been described. However,printing may be instructed in another form. For example, the user utters“print a file A” next to the wake word. The voice control device 1001transmits voice data corresponding to the voice “print a file A” to theserver 1006. Then, the server 1006 may search data managed for the userfor data with a name “file A” and generate print data.

Additionally, in the above-described embodiments, a case in which imagedata corresponding to the photo is printed has been described. However,the data of the print target is not limited to image data and may bedocument data. Furthermore, in the above-described embodiments, a formin which the printing apparatus 1004 performs printing in accordancewith the print instruction of the voice uttered by the user has beendescribed. However, the printing apparatus 1004 may execute printprocessing based on print data generated by an instruction other than avoice for print software (for example, a printer driver) installed inthe personal computer. Note that the instruction other than a voice isan instruction input by an operation using a pointing device or anoperation using a touch panel.

Additionally, in the above-described embodiments, Bluetooth has beendescribed as an example of short-distance wireless communication.However, another communication method may be used. For example,WiFiAware may be used in place of Bluetooth. Also, in theabove-described embodiments, priority voice output of a set value hasbeen described as an example. However, this may be replaced withpriority voice output of a setting item.

Embodiment(s) of the present invention can also be realized by acomputer of a system or apparatus that reads out and executes computerexecutable instructions (e.g., one or more programs) recorded on astorage medium (which may also be referred to more fully as a‘non-transitory computer-readable storage medium’) to perform thefunctions of one or more of the above-described embodiment(s) and/orthat includes one or more circuits (e.g., application specificintegrated circuit (ASIC)) for performing the functions of one or moreof the above-described embodiment(s), and by a method performed by thecomputer of the system or apparatus by, for example, reading out andexecuting the computer executable instructions from the storage mediumto perform the functions of one or more of the above-describedembodiment(s) and/or controlling the one or more circuits to perform thefunctions of one or more of the above-described embodiment(s). Thecomputer may comprise one or more processors (e.g., central processingunit (CPU), micro processing unit (MPU)) and may include a network ofseparate computers or separate processors to read out and execute thecomputer executable instructions. The computer executable instructionsmay be provided to the computer, for example, from a network or thestorage medium. The storage medium may include, for example, one or moreof a hard disk, a random-access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM),a storage of distributed computing systems, an optical disk (such as acompact disc (CD), digital versatile disc (DVD), or Blu-ray Disc (BD)™),a flash memory device, a memory card, and the like.

While the present invention has been described with reference toexemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is notlimited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of thefollowing claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as toencompass all such modifications and equivalent structures andfunctions.

This application claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application No.2017-223057, filed Nov. 20, 2017, which is hereby incorporated byreference herein in its entirety.

What is claimed is:
 1. A control system including a printing apparatusfor performing print processing and a server system, the server systemcomprising: a transmission unit configured to, in a case in which avoice instruction received by a voice control device is a queryregarding the printing apparatus, transmit printing apparatusinformation concerning the printing apparatus without performingprocessing related to content used for the print processing, a voicenotification corresponding to the printing apparatus information beingperformed by the voice control device based on the printing apparatusinformation being transmitted; and a specification unit configured to,in a case in which a voice instruction received by the voice controldevice is a print instruction for printing the content and a printsetting value corresponding to a first item is included in the printinstruction and a print setting value corresponding to a second item isnot included in the print instruction, specify the content correspondingto the print instruction, the print setting value corresponding to thefirst item included in the print instruction, and a predetermined printsetting value for the second item, the predetermined print setting valuehaving been set in advance before the print instruction is received, theprinting apparatus comprising: a print control unit configured toperform the print processing based on the content, the print settingvalue corresponding to the first item, and the predetermined printsetting value for the second item specified by the specification unit.2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the server system furthercomprises an acquisition unit configured to acquire the printingapparatus information, and wherein the transmission unit transmits theacquired printing apparatus information to the voice control device tocause the voice control device to notify a user by voice.
 3. The systemaccording to claim 1, wherein the server system further comprises adetermination unit configured to determine whether the voice instructionreceived by the voice control device is the query regarding the printingapparatus, and wherein in a case in which the determination unitdetermines that the voice instruction is the query regarding theprinting apparatus, the transmission unit transmits the printingapparatus information to the voice control device to cause the voicecontrol device to notify the user by voice.
 4. The system according toclaim 1, wherein the printing apparatus performs print processing usingink.
 5. The system according to claim 1, wherein the transmission unittransmits information concerning paper available for the printingapparatus as a response to the query.
 6. The system according to claim1, wherein the transmission unit transmits information concerning paperavailable for the printing apparatus as a response to the query, suchthat information concerning paper having a higher use frequency ispreferentially notified by voice over information concerning paperhaving a lower use frequency.
 7. The system according to claim 1,wherein the voice control device connects to an access point, based onan instruction received from a terminal via wireless communication basedon Bluetooth, and the printing apparatus communicates with the serversystem via the access point.
 8. The system according to claim 1, whereinthe server system further comprises a registration unit configured toregister identification information concerning the printing apparatusbased on a user operation on the printing apparatus, and wherein theprint control unit performs the print processing after theidentification information is registered in the server system by theregistration unit.
 9. The system according to claim 8, wherein theidentification information is registered in the server system based onthe user operation on a display unit of the printing apparatus.
 10. Acontrol method executed in a control system including a printingapparatus for performing print processing and a server system,comprising: transmitting, in a case in which a voice instructionreceived by a voice control device is a query regarding the printingapparatus, printing apparatus information concerning the printingapparatus without performing processing related to content used for theprint processing, a voice notification corresponding to the printingapparatus information being performed by the voice control device basedon the printing apparatus information being transmitted; specifying, ina case in which a voice instruction received by the voice control deviceis a print instruction for printing the content and a print settingvalue corresponding to a first item is included in the print instructionand a print setting value corresponding to a second item is not includedin the print instruction, the content corresponding to the printinstruction, the print setting value corresponding to the first itemincluded in the print instruction, and a predetermined print settingvalue for the second item, the predetermined print setting value havingbeen set in advance before the print instruction is received; andperforming the print processing based on the specified content, theprint setting value corresponding to the first item, and thepredetermined print setting value for the second item.
 11. The methodaccording to claim 10, further comprising acquiring the printingapparatus information, wherein the acquired printing apparatusinformation is transmitted to the voice control device to cause thevoice control device to notify a user by voice.
 12. The method accordingto claim 10, further comprising determining whether the voiceinstruction received by the voice control device is the query regardingthe printing apparatus, wherein in a case in which it is determined thatthe voice instruction is the query regarding the printing apparatus, theprinting apparatus information is transmitted to the voice controldevice to cause the voice control device to notify the user by voice.13. The method according to claim 10, wherein the printing apparatusperforms print processing using ink.
 14. A control system including avoice control device, a printing apparatus, and a server system, thevoice control device comprising: a reception unit configured to receiveinstruction by voice, the server system comprising: a transmission unitconfigured to, in a case in which an instruction received by the voicecontrol device is a query regarding the printing apparatus, transmitprinting apparatus information concerning the printing apparatus withoutperforming processing related to content used for the print processing,a voice notification corresponding to the printing apparatus informationbeing performed by the voice control device based on the printingapparatus information being transmitted; and a specification unitconfigured to, in a case in which an instruction received by the voicecontrol device is a print instruction for printing the content and aprint setting value corresponding to a first item is included in theprint instruction and a print setting value corresponding to a seconditem is not included in the print instruction, specify the contentcorresponding to the print instruction, the print setting valuecorresponding to the first item included in the print instruction, and apredetermined print setting value for the second item, the predeterminedprint setting value having been set in advance before the printinstruction is received, the printing apparatus comprising: a printcontrol unit configured to perform the print processing based on thecontent, the print setting value corresponding to the first item, andthe predetermined print setting value for the second item specified bythe specification unit.
 15. The system according to claim 14, whereinthe transmission unit transmits information concerning paper availablefor the printing apparatus as a response to the query.
 16. The systemaccording to claim 14, wherein the transmission unit transmitsinformation concerning paper available for the printing apparatus as aresponse to the query, such that information concerning paper having ahigher use frequency is preferentially notified by voice overinformation concerning paper having a lower use frequency.
 17. Thesystem according to claim 14, wherein the voice control device connectsto an access point, based on an instruction received from a terminal viawireless communication based on Bluetooth, and the printing apparatuscommunicates with the server system via the access point.
 18. The systemaccording to claim 14, wherein the server system further comprises aregistration unit configured to register identification informationconcerning the printing apparatus based on a user operation on theprinting apparatus, and wherein the print control unit performs theprint processing after the identification information is registered inthe server system by the registration unit.
 19. The system according toclaim 18, wherein the identification information is registered in theserver system based on the user operation on a display unit of theprinting apparatus.